We interviewed the vivacious Michelle Knight who by any standards is not your ‘average’ bookkeeper. Having run her own e-commerce business and experiencing the highs and the lows of being a successful woman entrepreneur, she is helping other business owners thrive, not just periodically but by consistent higher legal advice and support. Read how this millennial is shaping her destiny and the lives of others.

Michelle Knight - Owner of Little Miss Bookkeeping

#BOSSLADY DETAILS:

Name: Michelle Knight

Country: Australia

Industry: Accounting & Business Consulting

Business Name: Little Miss Bookkeeping

Favorite Quote to live by:

You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore – Christopher Columbus

1. Please give us a bit of background on who you are and what you do? (what is your backstory/your business)

I'm an accountant turned entrepreneur! 4 years ago I started 2 'side hustles' - a bookkeeping business, Little Miss Bookkeeping, and an online store selling active-wear and fitness accessories, Aura Eve. Whilst working full time in a public practice accounting firm I took on a handful of bookkeeping clients and sold active-wear on the side.

In 2018 my active-wear business, Aura Eve, felt a spike in growth, to the point where after debating long and hard over many, many months I decided to quit my accounting day job of 7 years. In August 2018 I took the leap to full time self employment, but not ready to give up accounting - it's actually such a passion for me - I decided to grow my Little Miss Bookkeeping client base along side Aura Eve. 8 months later, I can safely say it's the best decision I've made.

I absolutely LOVE helping small business. I want to make bookkeeping and accounting fun! To know financially what is going on on your business, it just as important as physically running it. Little Miss Bookkeeping thrives on helping others, particularly, young business women like myself, on their business journey. Whether they are at the start up phase or have been operating for some time. Starts in the e-commerce space I particularly love - it's a growing area and I'm excited to see how it evolves. Whilst tax returns are important, my aim is to provide my clients with higher level advice and support, not just periodic compliance. The type of help that really transforms a business and the business owner life!

2. What are four business & life lessons you have learned throughout your journey?

Ask lots of questions! Knowledge is power.

2. Work smarter, not harder - learn to work more productively as time is valuable!

3. Learn to say no. Your time is precious and don't go burning the candle at both end

.4. Prioritise your time. Ensure you make time not only for work, but for family, friends and yourself

3. What inspires and motivates you? What wakes you up every morning, make you get the work done and do it all over again the next day?

Watching my businesses grow and grow.- My entrepreneurial drive. I have so many ideas that I would like to see them all through one day! Every hour I put into to the business, means every hour I get out either in monetary terms, growth or intrinsic satisfaction. No more making someone else richer or all those unpaid overtime hours!

4.How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors? What makes you unique?

I'm not your typical accountant! I'm not the middle aged, half balding man in his stiff suit who's out of touch with what's going on in the e-commerce world. I'm a late 20’s Chartered accountant who loves business and decided to try it herself, with success. I can say to my clients, I've 'been there' and 'done that'.

Started my own online business - tick! Started business with very little funds - tick! Felt the pains of day-to-day business struggles - tick! Can relate to other business owners on a personal level, from personal experience - tick!

I can empathise with fellow business owners, share war stories and even better...give the support and advice around tax compliance, accounting, bookkeeping and business issues. My years working in an accounting firm have taught me the technical knowledge I need to support my clients. My years building business have taught me the other ongoing knowledge that accountants sitting behind a desk all day just don't quite fully understand. I am an accountant who can provide well rounded advice, from both sides of the business coin.